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Liquid metal eyeshadow is a fast growing trend. It looks amazing, dramatic, and simply fabulous. Most liquid metal eyeshadows come as a kit with a clear primer or adhesive, and metallic eyeshadow. Once applied, the final look is lustrous and shimmery, just like liquid metal. It can look tricky to apply, but it really is quite simple. There are a few tricks to it, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to experiment with your own, unique looks!

Steps

Method1

Using a Pressed Powder Liquid Metal Eyeshadow Kit

1

Get a liquid metal eyeshadow kit. They are often labeled as "metal foil." These kits contain a metallic, pressed powder eyeshadow and a clear, liquid primer.

2

Consider applying some basic eyeshadow first. Liquid metal eyeshadow is best applied just on the lid or inner corners of your eye. This means that the rest of your eye area (ie: the brow, the crease, etc.) will be bare. You can add some depth to your overall look by applying a matte highlight to your brow bone, a base color to your eyelid, and a darker color to the crease and outer corner. Don't go overboard here, however; you want the liquid metal to be the star.

Match the base color to your liquid metal eyeshadow. It should be matte, so as not to compete with the liquid metal eyeshadow.

3

Place 1 to 2 drops of the clear, liquid primer into the pan lid. Open up your pan of metallic eyeshadow, then add 1 to 2 drops of the liquid primer onto the lid.[1] If you don't want to dirty up your eyeshadow pan, you can use a clean dish instead.

For a more opaque look, dab the primer directly onto your eyelid.

4

Add a dab of the metallic eyeshadow primer into the pan lid. Pick up some eyeshadow with a clean finger. You can also use a foam-tipped eyeshadow brush or the end of a makeup brush handle. Place the eyeshadow right into the primer.[2]

If you added the primer onto your eyelid, let the primer set for a few seconds. You want it to be somewhat wet and tacky, but not dry.

5

Swirl the two together until they are evenly mixed together. You can use your finger to do this, since you will be using your finger to apply the eyeshadow anyway. Alternatively, you can stir the two together with a makeup brush handle.

6

Use your finger to gently pat the eyeshadow onto your eyelid. If you want, you can try using a foam-tipped eyeshadow brush instead, but many makeup artists find that a clean finger works best. Always pat the eyeshadow on; don't rub it in.[3]

If you added the primer onto your eyelid, pick up some eyeshadow with your fingertip, then pat it onto your eyelid.

7

Add more layers if needed. If the eyeshadow is not shimmery enough for you, repeat the process to add on more layers. Always pat the eyeshadow on, so as not to disturb the previous layers.[4]

8

Finish off with some eyeliner and mascara, if desired. For an even more dramatic look, you could pop on some false eyelashes.

Method2

Using a Loose Powder Liquid Metal Eyeshadow Kit

1

Get a liquid metal eyeshadow kit. These kits include a metallic loose powder and a clear, liquid adhesive. Some kits include a waterproof adhesive, which would work well if you need something long-lasting.[5]

2

Apply some primer.[6] This can be a clear primer, or it can be one that matches your skin tone. This will smooth out your eyelid, and make applying the eyeshadow a lot easier.

3

Apply basic eyeshadow to add depth and definition. Choose a color close to your skin tone (or a shade lighter) and apply it to your brow bone and inner eye corners. Next, choose a matte shade that matches your liquid metal eyeshadow, and apply it to your eyelid. Finish off with a darker shade along the crease and outer corner of your eye. Be sure to blend everything well for a smooth look.[7]

4

Pour a little bit of the adhesive into the bottle's cap, then dip your brush into it. You can also pour some of the adhesive into a small dish. You only need a few small drops; a little bit goes a long way.[8] Avoid dipping your brush directly into the adhesive. This way, you won't risk transferring any eyeshadow into it. Most importantly, you will keep the adhesive clean and sanitary.

At the end of the method, clean the adhesive out of the cap before putting it back onto the bottle.

Dip the brush into the powder. Most kits' powder jars have a perforated insert. Give the jar a few small shakes to get some powder onto the lid, then dip the brush into that powder. Avoid dipping the brush into the entire jar, if you can.

6

Apply the powder to your eyelid. Use long, smooth strokes, going from the inner corner of your eye to the outer. If the finish is too sheer for you, apply more powder using a light, tapping motion.

7

Finish off with some eyeliner and mascara, if desired. For a more dramatic look, add some false eyelashes.

Method3

Applying Other Types of Liquid Metal Eyeshadow

1

Try a liquid metal pressed eyeshadow. Some brands, such as Catrice, make metallic eyeshadows that are labeled as "liquid metal eyeshadow." Despite the name, these eyeshadows can be applied just like any other eyeshadow. Here are some more tips on how you can increase the shimmer aspect:

Apply the eyeshadow using a clean finger. For some reason, metallic eyeshadows stick better to fingers than to brushes.

Apply the shadow dry first, blend it out, then apply it wet to areas that you want to stand out, such as the center of your eyelid.

2

Try liquid-based liquid metal eyeshadow. Some types of metallic eyeshadow come in actual liquid form. They are packaged much like lip gloss: in a plastic tube with a foam-tipped applicator. Simply use the flat part of the applicator to gently pat the eyeshadow all over your eyelid. Use the pointed tip to draw along your lash line at the end; this will give you a cleaner look.[11]

For a twist, use the pointed tip of the applicator to draw along your lash line, then sweep it upwards on the outer corner. This will give you an elegant, elongated look.[12]

3

Try a cream-based liquid metal eyeshadow. Some brands, such as Illamasqua, make a metallic eyeshadow that they label "liquid metal." These types of eyeshadow can be applied like any other cream-based eyeshadow. Here are some pointers to keep in mind when applying cream-based "liquid metal" eyeshadow:[13][14]

Article Info

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 14 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.